My Family Cookbook

When I cook, I think of the women in my family. My grandmother never measured anything and rarely had a recipe in front of her. She was a phenominal cook and I listened as my mom called her frequently throughout my childhood asking “cooking questions”. My mom is also agreat cook; her gift of combining herbs and spices has excelled restaurant meals. As a girl, I was a baker. My sweet tooth ruled and I made cookies and cakes for everyone in my path.

During the holidays, my mom and aunts made candy together. The cousins would play and bid time till we were called to taste-test! My other grandmother would have a feast laid out each time we visited Texas. She made EVERYONES favorites!!

Such exuberant love.

As I cook for my family now, I think about my menu. I find myself cooking as each of these treasured women before me. My heart loves cooking. One of my most cherished gifts given to me is a family cookbook with recipes from all my family, and also my husband’s family. They are intertwined with pictures scattered through them. Such a gift of time and love; priceless to me.When I was first learning to cook as a young wife, I used those recipes from our youth. When I am missing my grandmothers and mother-in-law, I cling to their recipes; their handwritten script of bundt cakes and stews. I bake their dishes during theholidays and weave in some of our new favorites.

In my family cookbook, I have added my part of the story too. I have pages of my children’s favorite dishes. I have birthday pages for each family member with all their individual favorites to celebrate them. When my kids come in and help prepare a meal, they seethis book with pictures, recipes, and such a rich heritage for us. We cook and talk together. Stories are told, GOOD food ismade and this legacy is passed on.

If you are looking for a gift to give that is from your heart, this one is hands-down a keeper. Collect your cherished recipes and pictures and share the stories attached to them. Bless and add to someones meal.